Franklin Dean
Taking accurate measurements for a wedding dress is essential to ensure the perfect fit. While it is recommended to get professionally measured, you can also take measurements yourself at home. This process involves wearing only the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day and using a flexible measuring tape. It is best to have someone assist you with the measurements. This guide will help you understand the key areas to measure and achieve the desired fit for your wedding dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to wear | Underwear or undergarments similar to what you will wear under the dress |
| Who should take the measurements | A professional seamstress or a helper |
| Where to start | Centre of the collarbone (hollow) |
| How to measure the bust | Pass the measuring tape around the back and up to the front at the fullest part of the bust. Tape should be level and not too tight. |
| How to measure the waist | Pass the tape around the narrowest part of the waist, just above the belly button. Tape should be loose enough to fit a finger between the tape and the waist. |
| How to measure the hips | Stand with feet together and pass the tape around the widest part of the hips and fullest part of the bottom. |
| How to measure the hollow-to-hem | Measure from the centre of the collarbone to the bottom of the dress. Wear shoes with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear. |
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What You'll Learn
Wear only underwear
When taking your wedding dress measurements, it is important to wear only your underwear or something similar to your wedding undergarments. This is because even your bra or nylon tights can add volume, so you want to ensure the most accurate measurements. If you don't have the exact undergarments, you can measure yourself in a well-fitting, non-padded t-shirt bra and knickers.
To measure your bust, stand up straight and wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the tape is levelled in a straight line and not too tight; you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body. Your arms should be relaxed, down by your sides.
For your waist, stand up straight and bend to one side - the crease is your natural waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your torso. This is not across your hipbones or at your belly button.
To measure your hips, stand with your feet together. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. Again, make sure it is not too tight; you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body for comfort when sitting.
It is also important to consider the style of your dress. If your dress is entirely fitted, you will need to take measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. If your dress is A-line or a ball gown, the most important measurements are your bust and waist.
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Get help
While it is possible to take your own measurements, it is always best to get some help. This can be from a professional seamstress, a local tailor, or a friend.
Professional seamstresses and tailors are experts in taking measurements and will ensure the most accurate results. They will also be able to advise on any alterations that may be needed. Many bridal shops offer this service, but it is often only available to those purchasing a dress from them.
If you are unable to access a professional, a friend can help. It is important that they follow the correct procedure and take the time to do it right. They should also be careful not to pull the measuring tape too tight.
When taking measurements, it is important to wear the same undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day, as these can affect the final fit of the dress. You should also wear shoes with a heel height similar to what you plan to wear on your wedding day, especially when measuring the dress length.
It is also recommended to consult the designer's size chart when taking measurements. Different designers have different size charts, so it is important to refer to the specific chart for the dress you are interested in.
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Measure bust
To measure your bust, it is recommended that you wear an unpadded bra. You should then take the measuring tape and pass it around your back, bringing it up to the front at the fullest part of your bust. This will be at your nipple line, and the tape will sit in your armpits. Keep your arms relaxed by your sides.
It is important to note that your bust measurement is not the same as your bra size. The bust measurement is the width around the fullest part of your chest to the widest part of your back. The tape should be levelled in a straight line and should not be pulled too tight. You should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
Stand straight and breathe normally. It can be helpful to have a friend present to hold the tape while you relax your arms.
If you are ordering a wedding dress, it is important to refer to the designer's size chart. Wedding dresses have their own unique size scale, so you should not assume that you will be the same size as your usual clothes. It is recommended that you order the size that fits your largest measurement to ensure a flattering fit.
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Measure waist
To measure your waist for a wedding dress, it's important to first identify your natural waist. Stand up straight and bend to one side—the crease that forms is your natural waist.
Next, wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist, which is usually the smallest part of your torso. Ensure the tape is levelled in a straight line across the back and front of your waist. It should be comfortably snug, allowing you to fit a finger between the tape and your waist. Avoid breathing in or pulling in your stomach.
Stand straight during the measurement process. If you're measuring yourself, use a mirror to ensure the tape is aligned and parallel to the floor.
It's recommended to wear the same undergarments and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day, as these can impact the measurements. Additionally, consider seeking assistance from a professional or a friend to ensure accurate measurements.
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Measure hips
To measure your hips for a wedding dress, it is recommended that you wear the same undergarments and shoes that you plan to wear on your wedding day. Stand with your feet together, and wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips and the fullest part of your bottom. Make sure the tape is level and straight, and not too tight—it should be comfortably snug, with enough room to fit a finger between the tape and your body. This will ensure that you can sit comfortably in your dress.
It is important to note that wedding dress sizes differ from standard clothing sizes, so don't be surprised if you need a larger size than you usually would. When ordering a wedding dress, refer to the designer's size chart and order the size that corresponds to your largest measurement. For example, if your hip measurement is larger than your bust and waist measurements, order a dress size that accommodates your hip measurement. You can then get the dress altered for a custom fit.
If you are ordering a custom dress, it is especially important to take accurate hip measurements. The measuring tape should be pulled across the widest part of the hips, with enough room to fit a finger between the tape and your body. This will ensure that you can sit comfortably in your custom dress.
It is always recommended to get your measurements taken by a professional if you are unsure. Accurate measurements are crucial when selecting a wedding dress, as they will ensure a flawless fit for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to measure your bust, waist, and hips. If your dress is A-line or a ball gown, you may only need to take measurements of your bust and waist. If the dress is fitted, you will need to take all three.
Wear the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. Wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. Your arms should be relaxed and down by your sides.
Stand up straight and bend to one side. The crease is your natural waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist. Don't make it too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist.
Stand with your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and butt.
Hollow to hem describes the length of the dress. It is measured from the centre of your collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom of the dress (the hem). Wear shoes with a heel height similar to what you plan to wear on your wedding day.
